A total of 17,130 students were matriculated at the Yaba College of Technology on Thursday for the 2025/2026 academic session, as the institution's rector revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved its transition into a Technical and Vocational University.

The Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, disclosed that 24,655 candidates applied for admission, out of which 17,130 secured placement into National Diploma, Higher National Diploma, and B Sc Education programmes following rigorous screening exercises.

Abdul described the transition approval as a landmark milestone, stating that it would strengthen skills based education, innovation and industrial development, while supporting the government's drive for youth empowerment, job creation and economic diversification.

"The nation looks to your generation for solutions in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Yabatech is ready to equip you through determination, discipline, and unwavering academic focus," he told the new students.

The rector warned students against cultism, examination malpractice, bullying and drug abuse, declaring that any student found involved in cult related activities would face expulsion and possible prosecution.

He urged the matriculants to utilise the institution's workshops, laboratories, studios and ICT facilities, stressing that a minimum of 75% class attendance was mandatory as required by the institution and the National Board for Technical Education.

"Choose honour, discipline, and academic excellence; the opportunities before you are enormous," Abdul stated, encouraging students to join recognised academic societies, professional clubs and student associations to build leadership skills and professional networks.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, represented by Prof. Catherine Ogbuanya, Dean of Vocational Studies, also addressed the new students. He urged them to embrace discipline, innovation and excellence, describing their admission as a product of merit, perseverance and responsibility.

Ortuanya cited Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. in his address, warning against examination malpractice, cultism and misconduct, and emphasising UNN's zero tolerance for indiscipline.

YABATECH currently runs B SC Education degree programmes under an academic affiliation with UNN, which accredits the curriculum, moderates examinations and awards the degree.